New Year....2006....What do you have in mind for you and your recovery, life, and well-being in the New Year?

The Holidays.....lots of feelings, lots of family interaction, how is it going for you? What is working for you to take care of yourself this year?

The precious value of PROTEIN to our bodies

Hello Ladies,
Many have shared about a distaste for protein concentrated foods. Yet, many have also stated that their nutritionists and doctors are strongly encouraging them to consume more protein. What are your thoughts on this topic? Any encouraging and healthful tips on how to increase one's protein intake in as palatable of a manner as possible?

DFW Eating Disorder Resources...

Hi Ladies,
Any input you have regarding treatment options available in this area would be greatly appreciated.....this first bit of info is compliments of Jeanette!

ARMERS BRANCH, Texas ABA (Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous)
DAY: Thursday
TIME: 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm
LOCATION: Hope and Recovery ABA Group Ridgeview Presbyterian 12717 - Marshlane CONTACT(S): Bonnie K – (214) 929-9169 Becca D – (817) 789-2323 Lara H – (214) 235-2059 or (972) 966-3602 Belinda R – (972) 897-9450 Kristen H – (214) 392-8185
MEETING TYPE *: Closed To find an ANAD meeting is a little more difficult. Check out this webpage and they will send you meetings in your area: http://www.anad.org/site/anadwebSomething fishy (http://www.something-fishy.org) has support groups on-line and like 4 times a month they have live chats.

Here are some outpatient (day patient options here in the area)Bourland Mental Health Intensive outpatient treatment for eating disorders, Individual, couples, marriage and family therapy, chemical dependency, other addictions treatment... USA,Texas,Dallas http://www.happyme.com Stepping Stones Intensive Outpatient Program Description: Stepping Stones is an Intensive Outpatient Program which includes group, individual, and family therapy, as well as, nutritional programming from a Licensed Clinical Dietician. The program operates within a Multi Disciplinary team which includes onsite LPC's, an LD, addiction therapist and a designated consulting psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, and a cardiologist. All treaters have acquired either specialization and/or specific training in the treatment of eating disorders. The program is located in the heart of North Dallas in a private suite at Medical City Dallas. Ages served are adolescents and young adults (ages 12 thru 25). Two groups exist, one for adolescents (ages 12-18) and one for young adults (ages 19 thru late 20's). The adolescent group meets 3 groups weekly in the late afternoon/evening hours. Each week each client has one individual and also one family therapy session. Weekly nutritional counseling with the Licensed Dietician are also included. Category: Outpatient / Day Programs 7777 Forest Lane, Suite 142-B ZIP or Postal Code: 75230 Phone Number: (972) 566-4102

Thanksgiving gratitude and a little angst...:)

Important Notice to All Bloggers -- Please Read.

Hello Ladies,

Thank you for your insightful posts, honesty and obvious hard work on recovery!

Please be careful to be gentle with each other. It is very easy for misunderstanding to occur on blogs, emails, etc. since we cannot hear the tone of voice, see the facial expressions or body language.

Try to stay focused on what is going on with you, not others. Offer support, but please direct concerns to the individual directly(if their email is provided) or to me as the Blog moderator: jacquelyn@eatingdisorderhope.com.

Most of the blogs are wonderfully encouraging and helpful. Thank you for helping to create a safe and healing place on this blog.

Sincerely,


Jacquelyn Ekern

Checking In...

Hi Ladies!
Here is a great place to check in with whatever you would like to share or blog about! Take care! - Jacquelyn

Nutrition

Hello Ladies,
Here is a place to blog about your meal plans, nutrition, how you are doing with it all.....ask for support....encouragement....etc......Please remember to be pro-recovery in your post...

Perfectionism...

"Excessive striving to be perfect will invariably lead to disillusionment, heartache, and self-hatred"...Albert Ellis

Perfectionism fits the personality profile of women struggling with eating disorders, in most cases, and is already present prior to developing the eating disorder. It is complex -- tied to a strong need for approval from others to feel good about oneself. Now, we all know that is a rollercoaster ride, right? Being dependent on our performance, appearance, accolades from others, etc. sets us up to never feel secure in ourselves just for being our wonderful unique selves! What do you think about this? How have you struggled with expecting perfection from yourself?
How has it hindered you? How do you combat perfectionistic thinking with more reasonable expectations of yourself?

Appreciating the Positive in Our Lives....

Hi Ladies. I really have struggled with maintaining a rational, positive outlook at times in my life. It seemed to be very related to the eating disorder -- sort of an overall negative outlook on life. I have a long way to go, but learning to appreciate the positive things in my life has added to it's quality and the richness of my experience...Any thoughts on this?


Amanda - Thanks for keeping us posted on your progress. We miss you. College is such a big change...so much independence -- so quickly. It is a lot to process, not to mention all the hard work, needed time management, etc...It is okay to feel overwhelmed by it -- I think a lot of college freshman do--and venting here is a great outlet for growth. One of our dearly loved group members recently said that she is trying to say one positive thing for every negative thing that she says....I was really inspired by that...it seems that a big part of eating disorder recovery is becoming more aware of the positives in our lives and focusing on that more than the negative....easier said than done, I know....I am working on this skill though, and trying to see more of the positives in my life....the payoff is I feel better and life is more tolerable, even pretty darn good at times.....want to pal up with this group member and me and try this out with us. It is simple -- we say one positive thing for every negative thing.....??? Anyone else game to try this out?

Jamie- You are so supportive and kind spirited in the way you relate to others. I watch you and listen to you in group and am amazed at the depth of your sensitivity toward others. Also, you are so soothing and encouraging and accepting when others express their pain....what a lovely, lovely, lovely soul you have!

Celia- You have obviously done a lot of hard work to have the recovery that you have! It is so exciting and encouraging to see! You said " I hate being a burden. The benefits of actually telling someone are worth the risk though. I think a huge part of recovery is being vulnerable with someone we trust, meaning letting out the pain and darkness that is in us. I think a person has to be emotionally mature and stable to be able to listen"...........Wow, that is beautifully said, and I agree entirely!! Being heard for who we actually are, accepted for who we actually are and even loved for that, worts and all, is so healing....so healing that it is worth the risk to lower that mask with safe people and allow them to see who we really are....

Jeanette - I hope that you are continuing to take care of yourself and resting. Have you broken out those new dishes yet? :) It was nice to have you back in group last Wed. night....I have missed you and your wealth of experience and insight that adds so much to the group.

Warmly,

Jacquelyn

Risks of Sharing Ourselves with others....

Hi. I am wondering what you all consider to be the benefits of sharing your thoughts and feelings with others? What are the drawbacks? How do you determine if another person is emotionally safe to share more personal aspects of your inner life with? What about trusting others to keep your confidences? What if they they "think less of you" because you shared aspects of yourself that expose your humaness and/or needs?

I am impressed with the honesty and genuine sharing that has gone on in the Eating Disorder Hope support groups. It takes courage to be vulnerable to others, to share what is troubling us and let it out....it feels good to unburden ourselves and to experience loving acceptance of us and our unique perspective on life....

What do you all think? Any and all visitors are welcome to comment.

Warmly,

Jacquelyn
Founder of Eating Disorder Hope

Bye to our Dear Meagan

Bye for now, but we are hoping you will come back and visit us often and also blog with us.....you know, "let er rip" here......you can post anonymously and give us fun clues as to who you are............or just tell it like it is and not worry about it....
You have been such a wonderful group member, we will miss you and all that laughter and life you bring to the group.
warmly,
j.

Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient Treatment...

Welcome back to the Blog, Jeanette!~ We have missed you! I just sent you a card yesterday, hopefully it finds it's way to you in outpatient treatment. I received your letter yesterday. Thank you for writing. I appreciate your candor and openness.
It is difficult to recover, and stats show that the longer one has been struggling with ED, often the longer and harder it is to recover.......so be patient with yourself....you are trying..........you are a wonderful person and are not defined by your eating disorder..........it is just one facet of you that you are addressing and working on healing.....I admire your commitment to doing what you need to do to seek recovery, ie: group, treatment, therapy, etc....You are doing good work, and it does not have to be perfect.
Hang in there with treatment and give it all you got, Girl!

Jacquelyn

p.s. anyone else out there have thoughts regarding inpatient and intensive outpatient eating disorder treatment?

Ramifications of Laxative Abuse...

Last night, at the EDH recovery group, we discussed the physical ramifications of having abused laxatives....Bloating & constipation are some of the uncomfortable results of coming off laxatives....What do y'all think about this topic? Any experience with recovery from laxative abuse to encourage others suffering through the consequences and coming off laxatives? Please be careful to share constructively and not pass on unhealthy tips to others who might be vulnerable to suggestion.
But, do share your experience and what has helped you to get past the abuse of laxatives....
thanks.
Jacquelyn

Dreams, Hopes & Fears regarding treatment and getting well....

Hello Jeanette!
I can understand why you are feeling fearful and anxious about seeking treatment again...but, I am so excited for you. I have heard you talk about your educational goals, your desire for a family, health, etc. and you are taking an important step toward realizing these goals....Babycakes -- if I can get over this blasted eating disorder, I know you can.........life is still not a bowl of cherries all the time, but at least I now have a loving family of my own, am completing my educational & career goals, am healthy, and probably most importantly, am able to use my God given gifts to serve others who are hurting and want to get better.......You too, can be a "wounded healer", even if you specialize in something unrelated to eating disorder recovery, your insight, sensitivity and spirit will be a blessing to many who cross your path....you have endured so much already, it is time for you to have some of the sweeter side of life.......maybe this time treatment will be the launching pad of a much richer, fuller and peaceful life!
You can do this...
Jacquelyn
Founder of Eating Disorder Hope

p.s. anyone else have thoughts on this topic? Or encouraging words for Jeanette?

Inpatient Treatment

What do you think are the pros and cons of inpatient treatment programs? What are the challenges that prevent you from going -- if you want to go? What keeps you from wanting to go? Has anyone been through this form of treatment and what was your experience?

Jacquelyn

Osteoporosis and Eating Disorders

Here is a great resource for information about osteoporosis and eating disorders:

http://gurze.net/site12_5_00/osteo.htm

What do you think about it?

Jacquelyn

Self Esteem & Identity...

Hello Ladies! Here's an interesting question: What is your self esteem based on? What determines your sense of self worth?

Katie - I hope you had a good birthday despite it all....I know this is a difficult transitional point in your life and I appreciate your honesty and candidness...I can understand the feelings you express and I feel privileged to glimpse your beautiful soul....pain sucks.......expressing it helps......go for it...or as our beloved Dr. C says....."Let er rip!".

Jamie - I hope you are hanging in there with all this ambiguity about your plans...on and off again...it must be tough! I am glad that you are following the advice of the medical experts...we need you here, alive, in this world to bless us all with your many talents and gifts....vivaciousness, ballet, sensitive & caring person, etc...

Meg - thanks for posing again...looks like you are getting the gist of it...I hope this is an exciting time for you, preparing to go back to school and all...you have come so far...you are an inspiration to us....I am so glad you are in the group...

Amanda - we are going to miss you on Wednesday nights....I am glad that you are pursuing recovery so diligently....you are a great example of commitment and perseverence. I hope you will continue to blog and update us all regularly.

Heart Conditions, Cardiologists, and Eating Disorders...

Hello Ladies....
It seems that a lot of gals are going through heart related issues, cardiologist appts, etc. Lets discuss this all here.......tell us how you are doing, what you feel and think about all of this, etc....
Katie- so glad you posted to the blog! Good job! :) I am glad that we can stay in touch with you throughout the week this way...:)
Jamie- how are you? what is happening with dance trip vs. hospitalization?
Amanda - how did your doc visit go?
Anyone else have thoughts or feedback regarding this important issue of heart conditions related to eating disorders?
Check out this link for great heart info:
http://www.cureresearch.com/sym/heart_symptoms.htm

j.

Pregnancy and Eating Disorders

Hello. Have you read the article about the effect of eating disorders on pregnancy?
The link is: http://eatingdisorderhope.com/Pregnancy.html

Having just had a baby 1 1/2 years ago, I can tell you that it is a miraculous thing for someone who wreaked(SP?) such havoc on their body.......I was always fearful during those years of practicing an eating disorder that I would damage my body to such an extent that I would not be able to have a child..........I did struggle with infertility for 1 1/2 years, and had one miscarriage, before I conceived and carried a successful pregnancy. I feel that the trouble getting pregnant was probably somewhat related to all those years I tried so desperately to maintain a lower weight than my body was comfortable with....I am so lucky to be a mom now, and cannot imagine what it would have been like to not have this experience...Thank God I stopped practicing the eating disorder and am able to be fully present for my son.

Anyone else have thoughts on pregnancy, infertility, etc? By the way, I always had irregular menstrual cycles -- no doubt related to the ed.

love,

Jacquelyn

22 year old woman dies of anorexia/bulimia...

Here is the link to the article:

http://www.4utah.com/local_news/abc4_health/story.aspx?content_id=C128F5E4-1C99-4258-8B61-BF29B6D2C50D

Beautiful and talented Miss Ashley died after just two years of battling her eating disorder! How terrifying........she had everything to live for and now we have lost this precious young woman to disease that threatens so many lives....yet can be stopped....

What do y'all think about this? My heart is broken for Ashley and her family...

Jacquelyn

60+ year old finally recovering....

What do you think about this article regarding an older woman(60+) who struggled with anorexia/bulimia for most of her life and is finally now recovering?

Check out the article at this url: http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/11833367.htm

Pro Ana/Mia Sites....

What do you think about the pro ana sites? Are you aware of how frequently people recovering from eating disorders are still visiting these sites, and pulling them back in to the old thoughts and behaviors of eating disorder practices?

Why do you think someone might be pursuing recovery on one hand, and visiting sites such as: www.eatingdisorderhope.com and then visiting the pro ana(anorexia) or pro mia(bulimia) sites?

Thanks for your input!

Thanks for contributing to all who have posted!! :)

Hi, it's me, Jacquelyn. I am so glad that you all have posted to the new blog! I was excited to read the various posts this morning. I loved the comments! Hearing that it is possible to completely recover from an eating disorder is inspiring...and having 10 years of life free from bulimia is wonderful. Way to go to our anonymous poster! I also loved the comment about recovery starting when one begins to have a less superficial relationship with oneself! AMEN! :) Isn't that so true! Much of my own recovery has been attributed to relinquishing idealized "perfect" visions of what I "should" be, and instead accepting myself as the flawed person I am, but recognizing that I am a beautiful and unique creation of God, and do not need to be anything but what I am....I sure don't always stay in that mindset, but I go back to it, time and time again, to regroup, and continue on with my life free of an eating disorder.
I also think integrity is a BIG part of recovery. Choosing to live at one's highest level of integrity physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc...It is a bitter sweet maturing process of learning to deal with life straight up, rather than hiding behind an eating disorder....
Another very good comment, I thought, was that we need to be patient and go easy on ourselves...this has been a big part of recovery for me, too.....Trying to maintain a kind inner dialogue with myself, supportive and accepting, has gone along way toward furthering my recovery from eds.
Take good care of yourselves.....and please keep posting! We need to hear from you!
Jacquelyn
Founder of Eating Disorder Hope

Eating Disorder Hope

Welcome to the Eating Disorder Hope Blog! Thank you for sharing your inspiration, hope, and encouragement for others struggling with overcoming eating disorders....Also, feel free to share your frustration, pain, whatever.....just please be as honest, authentic and respectful as possible..............let 'er rip!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by: Jacquelyn Ekern
Founder of www.eatingdisorderhope.com